The Section's mission is to develop product standards and advocate technical and industry positions that are in the best interests of the industry, member companies, and the users of their products throughout North America and the world. The section accomplishes its mission through active, effective, and organized marketing and technical programs, and related activities.

Section activities focus on these products:

High voltage fuses

High voltage outdoor power circuit breakers and switches

Power switchgear assemblies

Low and Medium Voltage Power Circuit
Breakers

Medium Voltage Load Interrupter Switches

Please see the section scopes document, available in the right column, or the product links to the left, for more information on the types of products included in section activities.

Technical Activities

Standards play a vital part in the design, production, and distribution of products destined for both national and international com­merce. Sound technical standards benefit the user, as well as the manufacturer, by improving safety, bringing about economies in product, eliminating misunderstandings between manufacturer and purchaser, and assisting the pur­chaser in selecting and obtaining the proper product for his particular need.

NEMA devotes much of its time, effort, and resources to voluntary standardization activities. NEMA standards are offered and recommended to become American National Standards under the procedures of the American National Standards Institute, usually under the canvass method. This decision rests with the particular subdivision or subdivisions concerned. NEMA standards are also often submitted for consideration as IEC standards components or references. It is the intent of the association to continue its support of these, and many more, activities as the best method to continue providing sound and safe electrical products for the use of all.

Key technical activities include working on:

IEC TC17A & 17C

IEC TC 32

ANSI C37

NEMA/IEEE joint Secretariat position within ANSI C37.

NEMA standards SG4/SG10/SG11

Short Circuit Testing Liaison of the Nations of the Americas (STLNA)

Government Affairs

Through NEMA, the section develops industry positions on legislative and regulatory initiatives that may affect member products, markets, and customers. NEMA's work has resulted in contributions to public policy development and in promoting competitiveness, technological progress, and public safety. On the Government Affairs homepage members can search for and e-mail federal representatives to convey opinions regarding energy policy or other issues related to the electroindustry.

Through NEMA, member companies are able to develop and implement tailored, industry-specific market and statistical programs that benefit participating companies. Reports may include:

Product orders and sales

Market forecasting

Shipments by trading areas

Channels of distribution

Financial and operating ratios

Wages and benefits

Foreign trade

The association also conducts economic analyses on the impact of legislation and regulations on member products, and monitors and reports on key industry market indicators. All programs comply with NEMA statistical confidentiality policies. For more information, please see Business & Economy.

Among the many NEMA statistical reports available to members, the section participates in the following reports:

Monthly Power Switchgear Assemblies Report S-583

Semi-Annual Vertical Sections Report S-582-V

Three-Year Forecast Report for Switchgear S-582-C

Low Voltage Power Circuit Breakers Report S-578-A

Indoor Circuit Breakers Report S-579

Outdoor Circuit Breakers Report S-579-A

Membership

Membership in NEMA is open to any firm actively engaged in the manufacture in North America of a product within the NEMA scope and for sale in the open market. Membership of foreign firms is subject to product section policies and NEMA Board of Governors approval.

NEMA operates on a fee-for-service basis. Each product section establishes its projects and activities and approves an annual operating budget.

For more information on joining NEMA or this section, please see the membership center.